The following are messages received by Rabbi Lerner. CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR OWN COMMENT Rabbi Michael Learner
by Raymond Widziewicz Michael,
TIKKUN TO YOU PHYSICALLY!
YOU DON'T NEED IT MENTALLY!
FAITH/HOPE/LOVE SHOULD PREVAIL!
RAY WIDZIEWICZ
PS. OLAM NEEDS YOU! Greetings
by Diane Beeson Dear Michael,
It is great to hear that you are doing well. Apparently, you are handling the challenge of cancer with as much resourcefulness as you display in your inspiring work to heal the planet. Please do put your health first for the time being. We need your continued leadership for the long haul.
I think another of your friends suggested this, but perhaps a reminder might be in order: be sure to acquaint yourself, if you haven’t already, with the work of Otto Warburg who won two Nobel Prizes for his work on cancer. It suggests strategies for prevention of recurrence that unfortunately have not yet become adequately integrated into the dominant paradigms.
Best wishes for a complete recovery,
Diane Beeson
Alliance for Humane Biotechnology We need you.
by H.Jijón I gave up religion many years ago desilussioned by its hipocrisy and cowardice. Later I learnt about the existence of Liberation Theology and hope was reborn in my heart. A few years later, somehow, I got to read some of your writings and was seduced by the love they instill and I started seeing Judaism in a different light. I hope you get well, because humanity needs men like you.
From Ecuador, South America. H.Jijón health
by ginny vreeland Dear Michael,
You are, in my mind, one of the 10 righteous men ....the world needs you.
You have been busy all your life bringing peace and healing to this broken world...Now, the only thing you have to do, is to be still , and listen for the still small voice of G-d....you will be shown what course of action in treatment is best for you.
I am holding you in prayer as you heal...and I pray that you are feeling all the love poured out by the world you have given so freely to.
peace in your heart Michael,
Ginny Good luck
by Gisela Ristau Hello, dear Mr. Lerner, I heard you on the Gary Null show recently. You made so much sense. I am going to read your books.
Wishes for a speedy recovery and a long, healthy life for you.
Regards, Gisela Ristau healing energy
by Rev. Sandy Stone Dear Rabbi,
I am sending prayers and healing energy to you. Take this energy into you self and feel the well being and peace it offers. Shalom,
Sandy prayer
by Anne Haehl Keeping you in my prayers. Allowing the Network to Heal You
by Nancy Peden Dear Rabbi
I am an ovarian cancer survivor: Stage 1. This is very rare to be caught, like yours, so early.
The network of friends and prayers, a Cantor sang to me as I lay in my Stanford Hospital bed, is what mattered to me. Most of the time I felt like I was in shock to be frank.
I send you blessings and wishes that you can rest and recover; Western medicine does do some very good things. It will, I am going to predict, take longer than you think.
You might want to look into a retreat at Commonweal sometime when you are more healed.
As I part of the network of spiritual progressives I know I am here holding your well being always.
Nancy, Monterey, CA Continue the struggle
by Sam Beck Michael,
Keep up the work. I wish you the best in your recovery. You are one of my heroes.
Sam Peace and health
by Kenya Your work towards peace on earth will always be your best method of healing your body, mind and heart, which are one. alternative support treatment
by Lon Ball Do you have a good herbalist complimentary medicine doctor to help you along with recovery? I can supply some species like Inonotus obliquus, chaga a fungus that is anti-tumor and many others of the natural repertoire. Red clover is great for nausea related to chemo and radiation follow up to surgery. Soft path remedies have much to recommend them. But, the most important thing is to divorce stress. You should give serious thought to staying away from telephones and meetings, people, continue to eat right and exercise for some welcome endorphins. I am an organic farmer of medicinal plants and am not a doctor, but I can recommend you to some great ones. Let me know. Know that everyone is praying for you and know that you are roundly loved. Michael's Health
by Gerald My hope is that Michael Lerner's health will return because he and the Tikkun Magazine are a powerful force toward making our world a better place. Michael's health
by Triaka Smith Healing energy pervades your body. Blessings to you. Triaka
Constitution of United Diversity Happy you are recovering
by Elisabet Albertsson Dear Rabbi Lerner,
The world needs you.
All my good thoughts!
Elisabet A Daniel Goldstein Blessings of healing and love from that which is. Good wishes
by Marybeth You remain in my prayers, not only for your recovery, but also in appreciation for all you do to make it a better world. I consider myself blessed to know your work and words. Hallo Michael
by Hilary Milgrom Dear Michael,
Thank-you for the important work that you do. I pray for a Refuah Shelema for you, and send you brachot.
Hilary Milgrom, Jerusalem Thank-you for your good works
by Bob Reynolds I am especially grateful to you for your efforts on behalf of the Palestinians. I have seen first-hand the degrading, dehumanizing treatment by the Israeli Jews - doing all they can to frustrate the lives of Palestinians, frustrate efforts to achieve a sustainable economy, etc. it's like they are treating the Palestinians as they wish they could treat the the European Powers that oppressed them. As a sign on "the Wall" I saw said, "now the oppressed become the oppressors."
What happened to Jewish dictum, "What is hurtful to you do not do unto others."?
Thank-you and Godspeed to a full recovery.
Bob Tikkun
by Bob Sauerbrey You have given a life to tikkun olam--we hope now that Life gives you the tikkun you need. We need your great soul. bob sauerbrey Glad You Are Better - Get Well
by Michael Radigan Rabbi Lerner
I am glad you are feeling better. Get well soon -- the world needs you. I am praying for your complete recovery. Healing
by Dee Lewis Rabbi Michael,
I trust that the deep well of your own soul provides the steadfast love for your healing. true healing
by Lon Ball Dear Michael,
Cancer is symptom of the failure of the immune system to function in a normal way. Stress is the greatest cause of immune system failure and the greatest barrier to recovery. Your recovery from the surgery is secondary to your recovery of immune health that is the root cause of the cancer in the first place. Effective healing requires respite from stress and change of lifestyle (diet and exercise). Getting a hard body' might be the best political move you can make to ensure your powerful existence a long future. Its your duty to be kind to yourself. Please review my invitation in the comment section of the Dershowitz reportage. Being well
by Rev. Susan Gilbert Zencka Rabbi Michael,
Be good to yourself and make your own healing and wellness your number one priority now. Please reset your pace so that there is some rest time every day, some enjoyment everyday (not of work, which brings a different joy) and a full Sabbath every week. We need your voice in the world these days, and so please learn a pace of living that gives you opportunity to delight in G-d and G-d's good creation each day.
I'm going to Israel mid-June, and will take a prayer for you.
Shalom,
Rev. Susan Gilbert Zencka Michael's good Health
by Rev. Judith Doyle I pray in the presence of the truth of your good health as a religious scientist. I am forever grateful for your compassion and relevent take on how we are the work of and as God on earth. Your work is profound and so critical to all today. Thank you Michael. Thank you for everything. Stay the course, be the magnificent presence that you are.
Shalom and with love, Judith Blessing, Healing Thoughts and Best Wishes
by Diana Lindley Dearest Rabbi Michael,
My heart goes to you with healing best wishes for you ...I have never met you but have been acquainted with your Good work for many years.
As we heal ourselves...We heal the Earth. May your journey be gentle...
With Love
In Peace,
Diana Lindley
www.worldunityflag.org god is love
by saul david i have not met you, but i know you are a man of peace.
thank you for being a loving presence in this world and standing for love and reason.
i wish you godspeed in your healing. know that you are healed, God is with you.
with love and respect i offer the following.
Inhale the breath of God into your lungs, hold that light, allow it to heal you completely, exhale the past.
may you have many years of strength, peace and love.
om shalom salaam amen ~ hari om. saul david Well wishes, and gratefulness...
by Jose Blanco Have had you present during this time, and wanted you to know of my admiration for you and your work. Take care of self, rest, heal, befriend 'it', so that you can return to your work and us soon.
Thank you for all you have done, and do, it is so meaningful. Thank you for Tikkun.
Regards, and lots of peace, and joy to you and yours. Get well!
by Hamish Hi Michael: Just heard about your lung cancer from my buddy Sunny Schwartz after reading David's Tikkun article on RSVP at the SF County Jail.
Sounds like you're on the mend and I am happy to hear it. You've done a lot of great work for us all and it's time for a rest. You'll never quit so I'm assured that a rest wont stop you!
Lots of love
Hamish healing light to Michaeal
by Dianna Stallone Michael, I was so sorry to hear that you have been ill. Many prayers are being said for your speedy recovery. Sending you beams of white light. Rabbi Learner
by Pam LAIT Best wishes,heres hoping for a full recovery, so that you can continue to get your reasoned message across. xx Happy Recovery
by David B. Collins Rabbi Lerner:
I have read, respected, and cherished your writings for more than 20 years, since I first saw your words in an issue of the Utne Reader (when it was still readable). Today, through a link to the Tikkun website, I learned of your struggle with cancer. I wish you, your family, and your friends worldwide strength and courage in your journey back to wholeness. Peace,
dbc, First UU Church Houston Well-wishes from member NSP, Pittsburgh, PA
by Katherine Cunningham I am wholeheartedly praying for you, your family, and friends worldwide that the Great Good God will give you full health. I pray that you may continue to shower us with your wisdom and to continue to do God's work in this world that so desperately needs more voices in the wilderness.
I thank God for what he has wrought through you to give to a seeking and hurting world. Pray that more people will hear and appreciate your words. POSITIVE ATTITUDE
by MICHAEL ABELES LONG TIME SINCE THE DAYS OF
'TDA" THANKS FOR CONTINUING THE STRUGGLE ON A MORE SPIRITUAL LEVEL WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. AS A CANCER SURVIVOR MY OWN SELF, WHO KNOWS WHERE IT COMES FROM OR WHERE IT GOES. Wishing you a full recovery
by Elton Tylenda Your efforts have deeply influenced my path towards peace and your religious leadership is much appreciated!
Peace and Love
Elton Tylenda Healing
by John Guttermann Blessings and best wishes. You know you are not alone, but I know there are moments when silence and separation are all one feels: my prayer is that at those moments you will remember the grateful love so many of us feel for you and your work. May peace abide. Hi
by Colin Livers Michael,
I've been reading your great book The Left Hand of God. Get well soon. Sending my prayers. peace and healing
by Sat Bir Kaur Khalsa Will continue to dialogue with friends and collegues, community and contraries, in order to bring more understanding, peace and joy into this wonderful, difficult and often turbulent world ocean. Action and focus and love are the gifts I offer to the world as my prayer for you.
peace,
Sat Bir Michael Lerner
by Aryeh Trupin Dera Michael, I just heard of your health issues. I wish you a complete recovery. You always have been a real mensch,with genuine humility and kindness exteded to all around you. I wish you a complete recovery and a real renewal of your health and vibrancy. Aryeh Trupin A practitioner who saved my husband's life when he was given 6 months to live
by Shepha Schneirsohn Vainstein Dear Rabbi Lerner,
In January 2003 melanoma had metastasized throughout my husband's body. He had tumors in his lungs, spleen, and buttocks. He was given 6 months to live. We explored alternative treatments in Germany, Northern California, Southern California and put together an excellent regimen for him. Among the various complementary treatments we found to be helpful, a simple herbal composition offered in our own neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California helped turned the tide. When my husband started working with Dr. Matt he was coughing up blood and I thought we would be losing him shortly. Today, 6 YEARS later, my husband is alive and well and THRIVING! I give Dr. Matt's name and number to every person I know who has a cancer diagnosis because he is doing phenomenal work and has saved many lives. Dr. Matthew van Benschoten is a brilliant doctor of oriental medicine who specializes in treating cancer and HIV. His phone number is (818) 344-9973. I highly recommend his services for preventive treatment so you won't have to deal with the cancer coming back. I also suggest reading The Moss Reports edited by Dr. Ralph Moss for keeping updated on complementary cancer treatments. Today my husband and I are co-founders of Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation and are grateful for every day we have together to continue our peace work, free from the trauma of dealing with a life-threatening illness. May you, Rabbi Lerner, live for many many more years doing your good work. Sincerely, Shepha Schneirsohn Vainstein
good healing
by vera selig All good things, Rabbi Lerner. And you are in my thoughts
and prayers.
vera Your health
by Al I am a protestant who hopes that God will bless your recovery. Thanks for your work for peace. Here's to your good health
by Tom Blandy It's good to learn that you're on the mend. You've been a great educator and example to so many.
Much has turned for the better with Obama. Yet it's hard at this time to see things optimistically re Israel. I keep thinking there's got to be some limiting point to wrongheadedness and cowardice in and outside of Israel, a reaction toward decency. Let's hope and expect and do what we can in the meantime. Love to you Rabbi Lerner
by Mariu Suarez Dear Rabbi Lerner,
I am very glad you are doing better. In April 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor wanted to operate very fast but she did not want to do a sentinel node dissection to find out if the lymph nodes were compromised. Since doctors work by statistics she felt that there was no way that a two centimeter tumor had not caused lymph node infection. I started taking Paw Paw Cell Regh, produce by Nature’s Sunshine products. It is the result of 20 years of research by Dr. Jerry McLaughlin who began his research with the Paw Paw tree in the ‘70s. He discovered that it has about 40 acetogins, which don’t let the cancer cell eat. I took it for 6 months until the doctor agreed to give me a sentinel node dissection before the operation. The lymph nodes were not compromised and I feel it had to do with the Paw Paw since it first takes care of metathesis. As a result I did not need chemo. I am telling you this, because people have gotten cured of cancer and if not cured they have been able to live with it for 20 years. Four pills a day will do miracles. I hope you take advantage of this miracle created by Dr. McLaughlin.
Sending you love and Light, Mariu Suarez Best Wishes & Godspeed
by Bertram Miller I am a member of Politics For A Human Community, a New York City group rooted in the Politics Of Meaning ideas that you created. We recently voted unanimously to send you our most heartfelt prayers & wishes for a speedy, pain-free & complete recovery. No one is indispensible, but you are certainly invaluable! Get well soon. You are in our prayer
by David Terrell Dear Michael, Sincerely hope you get completely well soon! We are praying for you. Have light in your heart
by Jean-Claude Caillaux Dear Rabbi,
I am not a Jewish. I am a christian (catholic).
And I am a French man (living now in Paris)
I have known about Tikkun when I was living in New Orleans (from 1995 to 1999), from a catholic priest of my friends.
I have suscribed to your Tikkun Magazine, which was very interesting for me.
And I bought your two books : Jewish Renewal and Politics of the Meaning.
It was very instructive for me.
So, now that I am in France, i look at your site from time to time, and then I can follow you.
And I learnt about your cancer.
G.d be with you. G.d be your health. The Lord be Light and Live in your heart.
I love a lot your ideas, and your thinking, and your insight.
I do not know if my English is so well that you can understand what I am telling you.
But the more important is: we are a lot of people to love you and to think of you, and to think that we need man like you.
A lot of love.
Jean-Claude Rabbi Lerner
by Lawrence Skarin I think your presence on the progressive intellectual scene is vital. Want to see you on the tube as soon as possible. Michael's health
by Jeffrey Shapiro In my davening each day, Michael, I mention your name and your mother's, wishing you refuah shlaima. Feel all Better Rabbi
by Rima Dear Rabbi Lerner,
I am glad you are getting better - I wish you a full recovery very soon.
Hang in there.
Love,
RIMA Michael's health
by Wendy Orange Dear Michael, you have been in my prayers and apparently you are getting much better. But I do think you are still working too hard. Please make sure to get 8 hours sleep whether you think you need that much or not. If I had to vote as to why you got sick in the first place, I'd say stress, years and years of working too hard. It's your calling but it is dangerous. I'd like to run a few things by you but that would only add to your burden. I'll try and figure out who is in charge of articles as a good friend in Israel wrote something she wants to submit. And also, I am going to Israel for a mere 3 weeks in June, so I hope, and I would be, as always, happy to do there anything you need. All love, blessings, you are going to be fine but please please calibrate your hours and your down times. You need a radical change away from the work you love but that isn't good for your body right now. Think Tim Russert. That was a work related death imho. You did not die. So please get some great DVD's or Novels. We need you for the looooooong haul. Remember that. Love you, WO Praying for your recovery; we need you!
by Judy Highfill Take care of yourself; don't work too hard. Thanks for all you do and have done and will do in the future. You've given voice to the perhaps minority opinion that the world needs to hear! Shalom! all well soon
by Alan Kobrin Deepest desires for a very thorough and quick recovery, Michael. We all want and need your strong voice and vision working together. Alan Kobrin, Miami Refuah Shaleymah
by Stephen Booth-Nadav Dear Michael, Just to let you know you have been on my mishebarach list, and I've been sending you prayers and breath of recovery, joy and zest. May you find much soul nourishment in your recovery.... and may is be Shalem! Love... SBN, Denver. Message to Rabbi
by Orenzia Grant-Jaskiewicz Judging by the Tikkun Site and the many wonderful projects, I say, "Good job, Rabbi Lerner, good teacher. Keep up the great work!" The world is better for you! Sincerely and with love overflowing, pressed down!
Orenzia, Round Lake Beach, IL RE: your health
by Brian Gilmore God Bless you, Michael Lerner. You are a fabulous person; your courage and strength is an inspiration and I pray that you will get better and better each day. thinking of you/refua shleima
by rahel Thinking of you and sending tefila for healing
your way...may HaShem surround you w/ rachanut
and chesed... sending prayers and gratitude your way
by Zahara Dear Micheal,
Just sending you prayers and the hope that you are feeling stronger every day. i have such gratitude to you and the Tikkun community for your work to link spirit with justice, jews with our brothers and sisters of other faiths, and peace in Israel with justice for the Palestinians. Your courage in speaking out gives strength to so many others.
I am also a cancer survivor. I have found that It feels a bit like being the Velveteen bunny--like becoming more real through the bumps, lumps, and traumas. May the journey show you love, bring you wisdom, and shower blessings on your spirit.
Zahara WE GO A LONG WAY BACK!
by BARRY CHILDERS WISHING YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY! I LEARNED ABOUT YOU MANY YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS PUBLISHING "MANAS REVIVAL." AN ATTEMPT TO ACQUAINT THE WORLD WITH THAT WONDERFUL PUBLICATION OF HENRY GEIGER'S. I LOST TOUCH WITH YOU WHEN I MOVED TO EUROPE IN 1986. I'M BACK NOW, AND STILL STIRRING UP TROUBLE HERE AND THERE. THAT'S WHAT OLD FOLKS SHOULD DO. MY GOOD FRIEND GLENN SMILEY ONCE SAID "THERE ARE MANY ADVANTAGES TO OLD AGE, BUT NONE OF THEM ARE PHYSICAL!." THEY ARE ALL INTELLECTUAL! LOVE, BARRY Rabbi Michael Lerner
by Raymond Widziewicz Michael,
TIKKUN TO YOU PHYSICALLY!
YOU DON'T NEED IT MENTALLY!
FAITH/HOPE/LOVE SHOULD PREVAIL!
RAY WIDZIEWICZ
PS. OLAM NEEDS YOU! cancer
by ellen Hello Rabbi Lerner,
I didn't know you were born in Newark. That is my home.
Anyway, of course I wish you all good health.
But I am writing to say "good for you" that you wonder aloud where this cancer came from. Not that that affects your healing. But in the bigger picture, it is important to recognize that illness always come from something, and in the case of cancer, of course you are correct in strongly suspecting a (dis)environmental cause.
We must not act like cancer comes from nowhere, or from god, or it just happens. How courageous of you, in the midst of a personal crisis, to remember the Earth is also in crisis.
Blessings,
ellen Best wishes!
by Mike Banister Our thoughts and prayers are with you
by Lauren & Adam Weiner Get well, Rabbi Lerner. Sending you our best wishes and prayers,
Lauren & Adam Weiner Get well email
by Louise Pandano Rabbi, g-d bless. May the Lord grant you a robust health and a long life. We need you. greetings
by Lorenzo Porta Dear Michael. I sent you some messages and I followed step by step your odissea through the hospitals. I informed you that I have contacted our common friends; Bruno segre, Moni Ovadia. I'm trying with them to find a way for a translation of the most important articles of your magazine. I hope to fullfill in this goal with the support of friends and sympatizers. I hope you can taste in this moments the plesure of the dept of lightness.
Sometimes we are too much oppressed by the pain that exists in the world. What can we do for relieving it is so little, but very precious.
From the bottom of my heart
my best wishes
by
Lorenzo Porta
Firenze The New Journey has just begun.
by Beth Wells You are now one of us, a Survivor. This new Journey life has thrown you on has just begun.
Those who have made the trek before you have left you a pathway. Listen to your body. It knows the way. It will take you there and keep you there, in safety. Your body will protect you and warn you. Your intellect is the Commanding Officer that will and does make wise decisions.
It is now you who will lead all of those who will surely follow. This Journey gives one to another, something you have always done and will continue to do.
Those of us who walked the path ahead of you are there for you when the lack of sunshine brings you the dark. We are those with the lantern, the helping hand, the smile, the understanding and the encouragement.
You will be fine. Know that. Your first year will be both the most difficult and most rewarding.
Smiles and Compassionate Understanding to you always,
Beth Wells Prayers for your continues recup!
by Sheikha Farhanahz Ellis From the ADAMS Center Greetings of the Peace, Health, Love and Joy that come from Adonai our Lord:
As always, I'm late gettings the news. I just found out about the health situation you have been confronting. Immediately my heart compel me to let you know that I join my Prayers to those of the thousands and thousands of people who admire you and follow you good labor of Love. May The Creator, Who's the Scource of all Healing grant you a prompt and total recup. May Adonai, Who created you and created me, grant you and your family, friends followers and acquaintances, the strength necessary and the deep faith to go through these difficult moments. May we all get to hear of your total recup soon.
Leaving you in the hands of Adonai,
Farhanahz Ellis
Interfaith and Outreach Director
All Dulles Area Muslim Society, ADAMS Center
Sterling, Virginia Emotional help
by tjalle eugster Dear Rabbi learner, I am not Jewish - but I regulariy read Tikkun.org. I live in Egypt - and you give me hope when I despair over the Jewish-Palestinian conflict.
For OUR sake - please go to www.emofree.com - and check out this website.
No matter what - you too can be helped by this method.
May you be well
May you be at peace
May you know the wisdom of the Heart
tjalle Young Redhead that met you at Chanukkah
by Erica Hi Rabbi Lerner,
I was just checking in on Beit Tikkun today and incredibly saddened to hear about your illness. I had such a nice time meeting you at the Chanukkah party in December and regretfully have not been back!
Wishing you a full, speedy recovery and keeping you in my prayers,
Erica Gerard Sending love
by Barbara Cowan Hi Michael,
I just wanted you to know I'm still thinking of you, of course, and am sending you healing thoughts and hugs. Happy Passover- I'm glad you're able to lead the seder! I hope you find it joyful and meaningful and fun.
Love, Barbara hanging in there
by Anne Haehl Wanted to let you know you're still in my prayers with both my communities (Episcopal and Quaker). It may be that encouragement is most needed during the long time of recovery and waiting, when the drama is over.
Next time I'll try to include a poem. r'fuah sh'lemah from the Milgroms in Jerusalem and much love
by jo milgrom pesach
by mark levine
happy pesach michael. so glad to know you're able to participate in the seder. wouldn't be passover without you. hopefully will see you soon. keep resting and taking care of yourself. the rest of us will continue to be inspired by your example.
love
mark breath
by morgan ibarra You started out as just a breath of fresh air and are now a nationwide scirocco. Best wishes always: it's windy today in Albuquerque and it seems like only yesterday when you made out here to talk with us about THE LEFT HAND OF GOD. Always thinking about you--Morgan and Lupe Your Apparently Successful and Continuing Recovery
by Bob Doll Haven't sent a note/comment previously as you clearly have been getting a wonderful "barrage" of support, prayer, encouragement and so forth.
Just wanting to let you know that we are continuing in prayer on behalf of your stamina and recover and rejoice to know that, overall, it seems things are going so well for you. Keep your head up--you are our inspiration! Thinking of You Daily
by Travis Donoho Sorry for the delay in wishing you a speedy recovery; I have been recuperating at home from spinal surgery myself. It was so good to get your response to my comment re the SRA on the leadership listserve. May many blessings and lovingkindness follow you, especially this weekend as you lead Seder. best wishes from northern British Columbia
by Bill Horne & Claire Kujundzic As we prepare our Seder this weekend for friends and visitors, we send you warm wishes from a snowy place in the mountains.
Bill Horne & Claire Kujundzic
Wells, BC Canada
http://www.claireart.ca Sending you love and healing thoughts
by Emily Cunningham Sending you love and healing thoughts over in Seattle, Michael. You are precious and your body is precious. Hope you are having a good, restful, Pesach.
Love,
Emily May the angel Rafael embrace you...
by D'vorah Kost ...and partner you in your healing journey, along with all of us who wish you complete recovery... It's possible.
I've been intending to reach out since i heard of your illness, and am so glad you were able to lead a Seder. THAT's a MEKHAYE!
I send healing prayers your way,
D'vorah Strength!
by Brian Freund My blessings and prayers go out for and to you that you may have a speedy and full recovery. You are truly an inspiration to this generation of Jews who continue to thirst for your message and leadership! Your trip through and beyond cancer
by Charu Colorado I just found out about your illness when I tuned in to this web site. I've done so at nearly midnight because of my need to hear your latest advice and news on Israel/ Palestine. And I find you facing your own life threatening challenge. This makes me realize it's time for all of us who are so dependent on your strength and abilities to develope our own strenghth to stand and speak out and let you see how your teachings and leadership can bear fruit. I will start contacting people again about a Tikkun group here in Ashland .
And I must tell you, dear Michael, you are going to continue your recovery . But please let us all carry more of the weight so you can take the time you need for your healing without undue stress.. I'm 89 and recovered from a left lung lobectomy done 5 years ago. I have too much still to do before Itransition. And I know that must be true for you. My prayers are with you for complete and joyful recovery. Charu Colorado, Ashland Oregon
hang in there, Michael!
by va mccorkle MIchael, sorry for the "premature transmission" the other day; i was using a new computer at library, & it did that on several messages. . . oh, well. i don't know if you meditate, or how you feel about mind, body, spirit attitudes toward medicine, illness. i used to be totally aligned w/the traditional "medical model," but some personal experiences have taught me that an integrated approach works better for me; i rely on meditation, spiritual healing & OTC for all my needs, & have for last 10+ yrs. the books that helped most were Louise Hay's You Can Heal Your LIfe; carolyn myss's Anatomy of the Spirit [echoed in MOna Lisa Schwartz, m.d., ph.d,'s book ?title] & a lot of Jewish spirituality--"the cure is there before the illness;" we can "get the message (our body & the illness is giving us) or merely suffer;" & on it goes. basically, it's this: body in "normal" state works in perfection, & any illness or dis-ease is indicative of an imbalance/dis-harmony needing "correction." what correction entails depends upon when we respond to body's complaint, pain, ache, etc.. & how--some actions can worsen, others offer healing. so--is your body telling you to relax? let the healing happen? do you walk? bay area is so wonderful for walking, & it's so good for all of you, body, mind & spirit; it's also a way to be still, meditate, & find those moments of inner peace, allow insights [or, it is for me] to arise. be well, dear Rabbi Michael--let your body's wisdom guide you,along w/a lotta prayer & laughter! xox va Today's laugh
by Sharon Gaidemak O'Neil This made me laugh today. I hope you enjoy it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3d3KigPQM Love,
Sharon Michael Lerner
by Gordon Sutton My wishes for recovery to a rare man who has the bravery to say the truth and the courage of his humane convictions. God bless. Funny, good movie you might like
by Susan Davis Dear Rabbi Lerner,
I saw this movie A Thousand Clowns the other night. I had never seen it before. It's pretty funny and interesting, and I thought I might suggest it to you.
The movie made in 1965, starred Jason Robards. Here is a scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-e62bt1sc&feature=related
I pray you are feeling better and for your complete healing.
Your friend,
Susan how's it going, michael?
by va mccorkle michael--if memory serves, SF is all in bloom about now. . . quite a contrast to the snow piled high here, & yet--spring IS here, if i'm willing to believe! just because i can't see it doesn't mean it isn't happening; this is where trust comes in, i guess. healing/recovery can be a little like waiting for spring, too, & for me, waiting is not so easy; i wonder if it's the same for you. one of best things i've read on this was by sharon salzberg & had to do w/being present, & finding the gift of each moment--it helps when i can remember & focus on this. i have a really good friend/mentor & teacher in marin--tom pinkson, ph.d.: you can reach him via www.anewvisionofaging.com or by calling his office --either san anselmo or san rafael. i wonder if he might not be helpful to you, & perhaps--you to him. know this: he is NOT political, but he is exceedingly keen on healing & things spiritual. much love & many blessings on you! take care & enjoy the beauties spring in SF has to offer. have you considered that this year, "taking time to smell the roses" is part of your Rx? what a great gift! hugs--me Center for Action and Contemplation
by Ann Smith Dear Rabbi Lerner,
News from Corpus Christi, Texas: Cheers and prayers and good wishes sent your way from Texas!
You will be pleased to know that Dr. Joe Jackson and his wife Fan are attending the Center for Action and Contemplation conference in New Mexico. They are members of the Tikkun/NSP Corpus Christi chapter. They are such committed people to their faith and to doing good works.
Both Kathryn Williams, Agnes Maier and others in our chapter here have been very involved in environmental, hunger, war and violence issues as well as staying in touch with legislative leaders, especially the Obama team on the environment, education, health care and energy. We were able to promote the Global Marshall Plan at our recent Social Forum at a local university as about 30 of the brochures were given out to attendees. There was a session on "Religion as a Positive Force for Change" led by local faith leaders from the Catholic, protestant, Jewish and Muslim congregations.
Please take care of yourself, get well, and we will look forward to your being back on line with all of us. We are your grassroots coalition.
Peace and blessings,
Ann, Kathryn and Agnes
Corpus Christi Tikkun/NSP loveGodlovelife@yahoo.com
by Yelo G-dspeed Wishing you well
by David Orner Rabbi Lerner, I am so sorry for what you are going through. Sending healing thoughts to you,
David Pain and relaxation tapes
by Diane Ames Relaxation through guided imagery has been shown to help in pain management, in mainstream medicine as well as alternative. I suggest you ask someone to obtain a guided imagery tape. Also hypnosis can provide temporary relief. I am not sure, but there may be hypnosis tapes or someone in your community who can hypnotize you. Good luck! refuah shlemah
by marc gafni Dear Reb Michael,
Big and overflowing love to you in this moment and in all moments. Praying for your Refuah Shlemah...Refuat HaNefesh uRefutat Hafguf as the healing prayer says..
with you..
Marc take it easy--relax & let your body heal!
by va mccorkle michael--congrats on good path news!! i'm thrilled for you! this wake-up call is a gentle one, considering what most lung ca represents. glad to read you're open to some holistic ideas; main thing is to listen to Alternative treatments
by Sharon Gaidemak O'Neil Michael -- I have been addressing a nonagressive cancer I have for the past two years using yoga, prayer and meditation, diet, supplements. The best source of information I found about allopathic treatments as well as alternatives is the Moss Report at: cancerdecisions.com. It is worth the cost. Well documented, well written. Moss is a PhD who was at Sloan Kettering for many years. Very readable.
It is a challenge to believe it is okay to devote a large part of your day to your own well being. It is amazing!
Oh, as for the tumor, it has visibly reduced in the past month.
AND I found an oncologist who is willing to follow me while I do my thing and who has the humility to accept the success of treatment not offered by him.
There are things that will reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Be well.
Love, Sharon In my heart and on my lips
by joyce Herman Dear Michael,
This week at an interfaith prayer service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester, New York marking the anniversary of the Iraq War, I was asked, in the absence of a rabbi, to offer a Jewish prayer for peace. I quoted some of your lines from this year's Haggadah insert and asked for prayers for your recovery, as I did at Shabbat services during Mei Sheiberach. It felt like a special blessing to be able to do so on the 10th anniversary of my own healing from cancer.
Michael, as so many others have acknowledged, your brilliance, wisdom, courage and commitment are truly prophetic. There is no way to provide prophetic leadership without making some mistakes along the way.You have been harshly attacked for your mistakes and for your prophecy, as is often the case, but I, for one, the Jewish people, our country and the world have been deeply enriched and empowered by your goodness, your clarity and your vision. We look forward to your complete healing, to many, many more years of your leadership, and to your coming back to Rochester for some of your favorite cake! The "Ah Ha" Moment by Beth Wells So you are feeling like you've been run over by a freight train? You have been. The misery you feel now is the "Ah Ha" Moment. It means you are getting well. And, sometimes that hurts. It's a good thing at this point of recovery to do a lot of cussing. Smiles and Compassionate Understanding to you always, Beth Wells healing and forgiveness by barbara wishingrad Dear Rabbi Lerner, This is just to affirm again how much you have contributed to the world, in this case, to the lives of a few people that you don't even know. Rest deeply and get well soon. Thinking about you... by Leslie Cagan Dear Michael, Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner. I hope you are beginning to heal from what I'm sure has been a rough process. But please don't rush yourself!! These things always take longer than we want but staying focused on the big picture reminds us that putting the time and energy into healing today serves us well for the long haul. Take care of yourself!! peace, Leslie Cagan greetings from Sinai, Egypt by tjalle eugster Dear Rabbi Lerner, living in Dahab, in the desert of Sinai and thus inevitable involved with the tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - I found great comfort and hope in reading Tikkun.org. I beam you love and healing energy. And - when you are up to it - have a look at www.emofree.com Just read thru the articles. Maybe this method will also help you. May you be healthy may you be at peace may you live the wisdom of the heart from an old desert shaman tjalle get well Michael by Jon Baird Hi Michael - I was very sad to learn about your illness. As a former student of yours at Trinity College, I do want you to know how much your classes and books meant to me. They were a profound influence on me. Those years at Trinity greatly broadened my perspective on so many things. I sure hope you make a rapid and complete recovery. Jon Dear Rabbi here is my humble prayer for your healing. by Estela A Roman Catholic nun composed a little prayer that says the following: "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing, G-d never changes. Patience gains all things." St. Teresa of Avila Healing thoughts and Energy by Judith Schwartz at Dear Michael, I'm so glad you are taking the rest you need to focus on your personal healing. I'm sure what you will have to offer the world, having been strengthened and renewed by this challenge , will be greater than anything imagined. Meanwhile, El Na Refa na la Love and blessings. Judith Heart of Stone by Beth Toni Kruvant Dear Rabbi Lerner, I am the filmmaker who interviewed you on WHS, the film Heart of Stone. I would like to let you know that you are in the film and that it screened at two festivals. The first, Slamdance it won the Audience Award and the second, Cinequest, it won the Best Feature Documentary Award. It also won the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Award for telling a story of thriving in the face of adversity. The film will be screening at the upcoming San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in late July. If you are feeling up to it, it would be wonderful if you could attend. We are also trying to put together an extensive Q&A or forum on helping the inner cities by bringing alumni, and African Americans and Jews together. I pray for your complete & speedy recovery. yours, Beth Toni Kruvant, beth@goodfootageproductions.com May we all become gardeners by John Friedrich Dear Rabbi Lerner, I just re-read your letter announcing your cancer, where you told us this: "My doctors believe that the stress levels in my life are too high, in part because of being over-stretched as rabbi of Beyt Tikkun synagogue, or of Tikkun magazine, and chair of the Network of Spiritual Progressives. So, I think I need to ask your help in reducing the amount of work and worry I have in keeping the network alive. The solution is to get much more help in running the Network of Spiritual Progressives (NSP). Those tasks have fallen largely on my shoulders, particularly after the growing financial crisis and consequent reduction in funds from memberships forced us to reduce the NSP's staff size to one (me). I can't do this without much more help from you. I'd be delighted if you decided to help me renew and rebuild the NSP with your ideas and energy." You have planted lifetimes worth of seeds -- seeds of compassion, seeds of justice, seeds of peace, seeds of truth, seeds of understanding, seeds of love." I am moved and inspired by your call, on the eve of your surgery, for all of us to step up and be as gardeners for the seeds planted at the NSP that must sprout and thrive. As the father of a 2 1/2 year old daughter, I am particularly motivated to help manifest a global marshall plan in which kindness and generosity trump violence and greed to the benefit of all children on earth. And while doing as much as I can toward that end, I will be praying for your highest healing, rest and rejuvenation. Peace and Blessings. Prayers and appreciation for Rabbi Lerner by Louis Lowrey As a repeating subscriber to Tikkun and a member of NSP, I recognize that you are a true renaissance person, bridging a variety of vectors--religious, philosophical, psychological, and political. As a Catholic Christian, I often pray from the Jewish prayerbook, THE GATES OF PRAYER. I will continue to do so for you. Shalom, Louis
rabbi Lerner by Tom Rowan Rabbi, You are very wise to take the time you need for your recovery and healing. May all the forces of wonder and strenght be with you at this time. Faith, hope, and love will get us through the pain and suffering of life. Keep the faith and feel the love of God. Wishing you the best in your recovery by Barbara Saunders at 12:06 PM Mar 17, 2009 A Jewish Grandmother by Susan Davis Dear Rabbi Lerner, That is wonderful to hear that doctors didn't find any cancer! I pray that you will begin feeling better very soon. I said that I would send a joke from my 85 years-old Quaker mother, and she finally told me one that is clean enough to send! You may have heard this before: A Jewish grandmother was walking along the sea shore with her little grandson. Suddenly a huge wave swept the boy out to sea. The grandmother looked up to the sky and cried out, "God, please bring my grandson back to me unscathed!" Just as suddenly the boy washed ashore perfectly fine. The grandmother looked at him and then at the sky again. "He had a hat", she said. Blessings! Susan Dear Rabbi Michael,
You may not get to this email for awhile, but wanted you to know that we have been praying for you all day here in Rome, and praying for a blessing upon the readers of your moving, humble appeal for greater partnership in your movement. Also praying that as God brings healing that you will find the Sabbath balance you seek in life. As Pope John XXIII is purported to have prayed nightly, "It's your Church God, I'm going to bed."
Blessings and much love,
Nate
------
Deacon Nate Bacon
SF Director, InnerChange Neil Arya Praying for you, tomorrow. This seems to have been a tough last six months for you. I hope that your experience with the health care system we are trying to change is positive. If I can be of help in NSP activities in the health sector here inCanada, please do let me know. I am accepting a position as founding Director of the Global Health Office at the University of Western Ontario and will be trying to arrange for medical student exchanges to see the reality on the ground and research in Israel/Palestine, hopefully with Physicians for Human Rights -Israel and the Palestinian Medical Relief Society. I also will be coming to Stanford in early March to speak to a Health and Human Rights group.
Neil Arya Dear Rabbi Lerner We pray for your good health! Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara Norman MacAfee Dear Michael
When we spoke at the celebration of what would have been Robert Kennedy’s 80th birthday, I was most moved, of all the presentations, with yours. Tikkun is an enormous force for human values. I always welcome your email messages.
As a non-Jew I have privately struggled with what to do about Palestine and Israel. I write now for the Huffington Post and will try to make the struggle more public. I think that President Obama’s innate decency (a word RFK used a great deal) will make things better. But he needs support.
As a non-believer, I asked my partner, Miguel Cervantes-Cervantes, a biochemist and Presbyterian, to pray with me for your health. We just did.
Peace, Norman
David and I have not been active in the Temple for a few years due to our move back to the East Coast. You are an important man who has taken on a tremendous burden and blessing in global Judaism and social activism. We wish you all of God's blessings for medical and spiritual healing and hope that when you are on the other side of this crisis (opportunity), you will find acceptance of your human limitations. It is not an easy thing to do for any of us. Best wishes and heartfelt prayers, Patty and David Patricia A. Bresky, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Providence, RI Dear Rabbi Lerner,
I have been writing to you about human trafficking/prostitution, totally unaware of this great personal struggle with your health.
My heart goes out to you who have helped so many others in pursuit of healing. You and your opinions have been the source of many blessings ( and perhaps a few curses), but we know for sure that you have touched so many and, their prayers are for your healing and recovery. Your book on Jewish Renewal has been a great influence on my own life. You have shown us the why and how of transformation and transcendence.
You are in my prayers for healing, as well as for your loved ones and close community who care for you. May all your faith in the Divine Creator and the power of people to transform the world, be with you now to strengthen you in your journey through cancer. I pray you feel all our presence.
Peggy Sakow
Temple Committee Against Human Trafficking Dear Rabbi Lerner:
I am praying for you. I have never met you, but I have been reading your work for more than three years.
I ask God to ease your pain and grant you a full recovery.
I want to thank you for your ceaseless advocacy for a just peace in the Middle East.
I thank you for your spiritual insight and for your concern for those who are downtrodden and forgotten.
I want to thank you for speaking the truth, even if it hurts the religious and political establishment in Israel, Palestine and America.
May God Bless You and allow you to continue your life-changing work.
Steve Petrou
Houston (Cypress), TX Our prayers are with you. You are on the right track of the Spirit, but you must learn to rest and not overwork. As we say in Hawaii "hand loose" ("Shaka"). Love and prayers, Paul M. Nagano, Director of the Council for Pacific Asian Theology (CPAT) Michael--
I remember back to working together to promote The Politics of Meaning and appreciate your thoughtful emails and deep thoughts about "progress" and "success".
I wish you the best, including an outpouring of support and people embracing the movement you've organized, to help you through the challenge that cancer presents. May you be with us for many years!
Warm regards,
Rochelle Lefkowitz
President & Founder
Pro-Media Communications Dear Rabbi Lerner,
I don't expect a response. Just want you to know how much I admire you, your heart, your voice of reason, and your dedication. Just to know that you walk this earth at this time is a blessing. Take care and know that so much love surrounds you as you look impermanence directly in the face with such courage and understanding.
Respectfully,
Pete Majoy
Richmond, N.H. Shalom Rabbi Michael Lerner,
All our prayers are with you in your recovery and to give you strength
and love and support .
We in Yedidya (the synagogue you used to attend when you lived in Israel with your son, many years ago), will continue to pray for your full recovery.
I personally miss your writings and your wisdom and insights , and I am hoping you will soon find the strength to return to Tikkun editorial .
Always in support--- Refuah Shlemah,
Ruth
--
Ruth Cohn
Jerusalem, Israel. Be blessed and healed Rabbi Edward & Rebetzin Joan Nydle B'nai Avraham Ottumwa, Iowa Michael - You are in my thoughts and prayers. We can talk about the good work later - but heal khaver - heal.
yi-heh-yeh tov,
Marc
Rabbi Marc Aaron Kline, J.D.
-- Justice is never "just us" --
Temple Adath Israel
Lexington, Ky Dear Michael: Your message reached me here in India. I am terribly, terribly sorry to hear your news. The world needs your moral engagement more than ever, especially from a Jewish angle that you have developed with such clarity and impact. I accept your challenge, but I am already overwhelmed, trying to do more than I am able, and as a result doing things rather badly. Wishing you the best always, Richard Sorry to read this Michael and hope that you can lick it. The other day - as often happens - your name came up. There were what I would refer to as `the usual criticisms' of you... I agree with some of them...but added to their surprise.. `my main criticism of Lerner is that we don't have 20 more like him'... I sincerely hope you have a complete and speedy recovery Rob Prince Rob Prince Senior Lecturer, International Studies University of Denver Korbel School of International Studies Dear Rabbi Lerner,
Just to let you know that prayers and healing energy are going forth for your healing!
O give thanks to the Beloved, and open your hearts to Love.
Awaken! Listen in silence for the Voice of the Counselor.
Sing praises with a glad heart and give witness to the truth with your lives!
Glory in the radiance of the Beloved;
let the hearts of those who call upon You rejoice!
Seek the One who is Life, your strength,
walk harmoniously in Love's Presence!
Remember that you are not alone,
for through Love doubt and fear are released;
O people of the earth, ever bear in mind
the unity of diversity in the Divine Plan!
You are the Promise of our wholeness,
You await our readiness to choose Life.
Psalm 105
May you know the healing balm of God's eternal love for you.
Shalom,
Rev. Robbin Melchiorre
Rockville, Md Dear Michael,
Although I haven’t seen you in a long time, I still read your emails and appreciate your wonderful insightful writings.
And along with all of your friends and congregants, I was so sad to hear that you were diagnosed with lung cancer.
And so I just want you to know I’m thinking of you and sending you many prayers and blessings as you heal from your surgery.
I hope and pray your recovery will go well and that you can look forward to many years of continuing your great work.
With gratitude for all I’ve learned from you,
Rona Weintraub
Mill Valley Dear Rabbi Lerner
We are praying for you. But your great spiritual energy will chase this cancer away.
Keep up the good work and I will continue to alert my friends to the value of your mission.
(and contribute what I can to Tikkun and NSP)
All the best and let us hope, work, and pray for a fair peace in the middle east.
Roy Zuckerman Condolances and deep respect for your achievements. Good luck where and whenever, Stefan van den Hout Dordrecht, Holland The work goes on!! stephen Chinlund Dear Michael,
What a terrible shock! You were supposed to be invulnerable to illness and death! I feel like a first grader who thinks that the teacher lives at the school and has no life but ME!.
Seriously, I am praying for you and I am thinking hard about how to help with the NSP and the Global Marshall Plan. It is the highest vision, all that I hope for. Right now I am using all my free time to help with my old prison program. I was there last night. It is only a tiny piece of the NSP and it is not formally related.
In fact the greatest blessing of YOU is your unquenchable hopefulness. As an Episcopal priest I am utterly appalled by the narrowness of vision of most of my fellow Episcopalians. I try not to think about it and keep focussed on what is possible. That has worked most of my life.
Now, you are right on to get busy about the Obama we worked for and voted for. I gave huge amounts of time in NH, NY and PA in both the primaries and the general election and now...? Tough stuff, but I continue to have hope:
most of all for your complete good health
for new possibilities of peace in Israel with George Mitchell and the elections which I choose to interpret positively
for new momentum for a progressive agenda out of the economic mess, especially education and health care
for a new strength in progressive spirituality with "evangelicals" turning more to progressive positions
So I want to come to DC the end of April and want to continue to do all I can to help the Kingdom of God come on earth.
You are an amazing man, Michael, more needed than ever!
Get well!
Steve Chinlund Episcopal Priest Dear Rabbi Lerner,
We will be "Holding you in the Light" (a Quaker practice) during this troubling period.
And if you've not done so, would you consider reading Dr. Colin Campbell's (nutritional biochemist) recent book, The China Study? Most surgeons and other allopathic practitioners leave little room for a broader look at the body's ability to heal or for cancer to reverse itself.
Terry Fieldhouse, Member Grass Valley Friends Meeting Dear Rabbi Lerner, I was grieved to hear of your Cancer diagnosis, and my prayers for your full recovery are with you. As a practicing Buddhist, my prayers take the form of Tonglen: the practice of breathing in (taking on ourselves) the pain and suffering of others and breathing out healing, love, and peace to them. Otherwise known as Giving and Taking, it is the core of Tibetan Buddhist practice; the Dalai Lama, for example, practices it every day. Please know that I am practicing Tonglen on your behalf, and will encourage other Buddhists I know (many of whom are also Jewish) to do likewise. Blessings, Tom Ellis You're an inspiration to me, Michael, and you will be in my prayers. So few people are truly willing to "keep their eyes on the prize" -- a nobler and more just human community. You do that.
Peace and blessings,
Rev. Chris Schriner
Minister Emeritus, Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Fremont Rabbi Lerner,
May God bless you with a speedy, comprehensive, permanent recover; and may He be with you and your family during these during trying times.
Imam Zaid Shakir Zaytuna Institute
F cells & Quakers by David Wolinky
Michael 1) The unusual unidentified cells mentioned in the Update probably come from... your brain, since it is unusually well-connected to your heart, why not the lungs too? :-) 2) Altho Jewish and non-religious, I asked that you be "held in the light" at the local (Frederick, MD) Quaker meeting, which I think is the equivalent of Gila's Hebrew message above. What would people like me do with people like you two beloved scoundrels?
Speedy recovery by Halimah Collingwood Hi Michael, I just wanted to let you know that all of us at the Mainstream Media Project send you our love for a full recovery. Your message is so important for people to hear. You have been such a beacon of truth in the world. Many blessings, Halimah
best wishes by Joni Rabinowitz
Hey Mike, all of us here in Pittsburgh are rooting for you! The latest news sounds pretty hopeful, and I expect the pain will subside in due time. Your work has been so much of an inspiration to so many people so remember that.
Best,
Joni Rabinowitz and John Haer Shmuel had a bad accident by The Joke Fairy Shmuel had a bad car accident involving a large truck. Weeks later, in court, the trucking company's fancy lawyer was questioning Shmuel. "Didn't you say, at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine,'" asked the lawyer. Shmuel responded, "Vell, I'll tell you vat happened. I just put my dog, Farfel, into the..." "I didn't ask for any details", the lawyer interrupted. "Just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine!'" Shmuel said, "Vell, I just got Farfel into the car and vas driving down the road...." The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman on the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question." By this time, the Judge was fairly interested in Shmuel's answer and said to the lawyer, "I'd like to hear what he has to say about his dog, Farfel." Shmuel thanked the Judge and proceeded. "Vell, like I vas saying, I just loaded Farfel, my lovely hundteleh, into the car and vas driving him down the highway when this huge semi-truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my car right in the side. I vas thrown into one ditch and Farfel vas thrown into the other. I vas hurting real bad and didn't want to move. However, I heard Farfel moaning and groaning. I knew he vas in terrible shape just by his groans. Den a Highway Patrolman came along. He could hear Farfel moaning and groaning so he vent over to him. After he looked at him, and saw vat terrible condition Farfel was in, he took out his gun and shoots him between the eyes. Den the Patrolman comes across the road, gun still in hand, looks at me and says, "How you feeling." "Nu, Judge, vat vould you say?" I Pray for your complete recovery by Susan Davis
Dear Rabbi Lerner, The last few nights I've barely slept because I've been so excited by reading your book The Left Hand of God. I'm what is called a Charismatic nondenominational Christian and although I agree with many of those beliefs, I've been deeply saddened and, really, horrified, by the political thinking which you would call the extreme right hand of God. The liberals who've seemed to dismiss spirituality almost completely also have disappointed me. Thank you so much for your book and for all you are doing to help heal the world. I will definitely get involved!
I pray for your complete healing.
By the way, my 85-year-old mother Betty has the best jokes I've ever heard. I'll have to ask her to post one here for you. She's an elderly Quaker with a severely twisted wit! Your new friend, Susan Complete Recovery by Ahmad Hahn
Sincere prayers for your complete recovery----and an urgent plea that you check out www.vitamindcouncil.org for critical information on the importance of Vitamin D3 in your healing. (Most doctors are clueless about the research on this.) Thank you for all your great work! For this you take a day off? by Roger Gottlieb
Honestly, some people will do anything just to stay home from the office.
On the other hand, I'm sure the office is a lot quieter now!
Hey Michael, take it easy, take it slow, we're all praying for you.
All the best,
Roger good news w/path report! get well! by virginia mccorkle michael--i'm thrilled to hear your lymph nodes were negative; no matter how "normal" a lymph node is, they all look a little crazy--so taking this one to the tumor conference is good, but probably more a cya for the doc than anything else! i'm also glad to hear that all the messages of love are reaching you, & assisting in your recovery. have you considered that this may be part of the good that comes from this process? just knowing how many lives you've touched & continue to touch, how much love there is in the world, & so much for you, no matter what else is going on--gotta be a mix of joy & gratitude, yet, very humbling, too. you/we, all of us, are love--& all the rest is like a garlic husk, that sometimes needs a little help to be released. i hope you've been willing to visit your healing chair & receive more of the healing light, which is love. . . it's so easy to forget that all the rest is illusion, especially w/all the news. my prayer for all political leaders is that they be guided by love instead of fear, & that they choose peace instead of conflict; i've been saying it for ?3 or so years, & will con't. may all peoples make the same choices! take care of yourself--i'm in transition, so forgive this note for being a little nutsy; will let you know next wk where i've landed, ok? dreams have shown me glimpses, & intuition more--so the rest comes tomorrow, G-d willing! w/move on sunday. many blessings on you! may you be willing to receive all the love that's here for you, & know that it is true. Shalom--va by Rachel Tie
Dear Michael-- all the best during your recovery! You and Deb are in my thoughts. B'ahava v'Refuah Shlema, Rachel
PS: we eat the whole thing, but the balls are the best part ;) by Rachel Israeli leader Ehud Olmert comes to Washington for meetings with George W. For the State Dinner, Laura Bush decides to bring in a special Kosher Chef and have a truly Jewish meal prepared in honor of their guest. At the dinner that night, the first course is served and it is Matzoh Ball Soup. George W. looks at this and, after learning what it is called, he tells an aide that he can't eat such a gross and strange-looking brew. The aide says that Mr. Olmert will be insulted if he doesn't at least taste it. Not wanting to cause any trouble (after all he ate a sheep's eye in honor of his Arab guests), George W. gingerly lowers his spoon into the bowl and retrieves a piece of matzoh ball and some broth. He hesitates, swallows, and a grin appears on his face. He finds he really likes it, digs right in, and finishes the whole bowl. "That was delicious," George W. says to Olmert. "Do the Jews eat any other part of the matzoh, or just the balls?" Love and deep things by Glen Stassen
Dear Michael,
Roger Gottlieb speaks for me--experience the love from so many of us.This brings out the feelings of love that we usually fail to express. They are very much here.
Your suffering and our shared human vulnerability are causing deep thoughts and deep prayers in the middle of the nights for me. Now is not the time to try to articulate the depths.
I am praying--so many of us are praying!--for you and your lasting recovery. And for the news this weekend. Thinking of you by Bill Blaiki
Speedy recovery prayers from your Canadian friend. Glad to hear that the operation was a success. I retired from the Canadian Parliament after 29 years and am currently associated with the faculty of theology at the University of Winnipeg. Hope we can work together again someday ,as we did in BC at the Our Way Home event Shalom .
The Joke Fairy Again by Peter Coppelman
Michael,
I am praying for a speedy and complete recovery for you. Every Friday Goldberg went to Temple and said the same prayer: "Please, God, let me win the lottery." This went on every week for years. Finally, one evening after Goldberg has just uttered his prayer, there was a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, and the Heavens parted. The voice of God boomed out, "GOLDBERG, DO ME A FAVOR. . . BUY A TICKET!" All the best. Peter Coppelman Dear Michael: In light of your illness your letter to the community is an an inspirational classic and model of how a fine soul can express his deep humanity and call on the reparative resources of his companions. i am myself ill and elderly and am considering what I can do. WARMEST WISHES Abraham Levitsky
Dear Rabbi Lerner, Very sorry to hear about this news! May Ha Shem/Allah give you strength and we will pray for your recovery and also pray that more people are inspired by your good work and work towards world peace, justice and deeper understanding between Jews and Muslims. I am on my period off work (research year) but send you wishes and prayers,
amineh
hi, michael. it was SO GOOD to see you last week, like reconnecting with my HOME, my FAMILY, my HEART. i made it there because it was imperative that i be there for YOU in this moment of healing, but in the end, i left feeling like it was ME who got the healing of just being with the tribe, singing, praying, and connecting with this incredible, divine reality we live in and only seem to notice when we intentionally put aside surface yada yadas. speaking of surface, you looked truly FABULOUS, glowing with life and the same joy i was feeling. i was really happy to read on-line that your pathology reports look so promising. i pray they got every CELL of the cancer, and that the other gastrointestinal conditions can be effectively treated before they become problematic. AMEN for early detection! anyway, the video i recommended for laughter therapy is called "axis of evil comedy tour," and here's the link at neflix: http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Axis_of_Evil_Comedy_Tour/70063285?trkid=222336 you're gunna love it. so funny and spot on. a real (and hysterical) glimpse into life as an arab american living in a post-9/11 world. okay, back to dissertation writing. sending you love... ana
forgive this coming as an e-mail... but I want you to know that I'm thinking about you, with all good wishes. Glad you're home again after the hospital, hope all this can go in a direction that's positive for you... thinking of the times, and friends, we've shared over the years... always important... so, with a hug for you (not too much pressure!) Tony
Dear Rabbi Lerner, You are in my thoughts and prayers often. I will be sending you my love and wishes for your healing and your full recovery in the coming days and weeks. I thank you for your loving presence in my life, and in the life of our community and the whole world. Shalom, Annette Cohen
Rabbi, It goes without saying that you are in my prayers. You have become one of my heroes (and I do not say this lightly), through your vision and through your tireless efforts to try and get people to see what God is really all about, and what the world COULD be if we could only work together. I believe you are one of the great Voices of Reason in our modern world, and an eccumenical genius. Rabbi, the world CANNOT do without you, so you must get better. I am very limited in what I can do. I have no extra money, and I have left the denomination I was part of ( I have become a "rogue monk") in part because of their complete disinterest in actually getting out and trying to change the world for the better. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. I serve God and God's Children, and refuse to be bound by doctrines, or apathy, or prejudice, or an obsession with religious trappings. Yahweh/Hashem (and the many other names we recognize Him by) is so far beyond such sad human failings. We MUST have a Rabbi Michael Lerner to lead us down the path of Truth, and we WILL. God has spoken to me in my heart this morning, Rabbi, and I heard the answer that you WILL overcome this, without any doubt whatsoever. This is God's way of "calling the troups" to arms, and you have done exactly as He would wish. Praise to be God, who truly is ever merciful and compassionate. If you ever need to call me and just talk, my number is below. I will help in whatever way that I can. Peace and Blessings, and a huge SHALOM! Brother Damien Michael Simmons, monastic
Shalom Rabi Lerner, Sorry to hear about your illness. I can help you with my medicinal soups I make at home (my small business), with or without meat, eco-kosher, nourishing and nurturing to body & soul. I teach at Kehilla, including Sam Kreisberg, so I know of your connection with Wendy & Joel. Let me know if you are interested! Blessings for Refua Shlema Avishai Pearlson
Dear Michael I will be holding you in my daily prayers and my church will be praying for you and your healing and recovery also. I love you, Bonnie Rev. Bonnie Tarwater Congregational Church of Lincoln City, United Church of Christ 1760 NW 25th Street/ P.O. Box 945 Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
Dear Michael, We join the many, many other waves of love to add to your strength and blessings for the best possible outcome. And we send extra love to Deborah! Peace, love and Light Shaya and Bahira Gainesville, Florida
Dear Rabbi Lerner I am sending my prayers and heartfelt good wishes for your recovery. You are a wonderful inspiration for PEACE, an open heart and pragmatism in such a complex and often discouraging world. All my best – my considerable POSITIVE ENERGY is coming to you on a WARM CANADIAN CURRENT!! Barbara Landau, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Co-Chair, Canadian Association for Jews and Muslims (CAJM)
Oh my God - I can't believe this is happening to Michael Lerner; he has been such a force for good in the Jewish community; I will pray for him and check out what else I can do - hmmm - internships in Berkeley?? I am going to not only pray for him at my Guan Shih Yin altar tomorrow but also in church after Centering Prayer - yes! Love, Barbara
Dear Michael, Your letter hit me hard. You are in my prayers every day. If there's something specific that you'd like me to do for you, please don't hesitate. I wish you refua shleima, and every blessing, Brad
Hey Michael, The first thing I am already doing is praying for you. And you KNOW the prayers of an atheist are especially listened to! Truly I am holding the good and healing intentions toward you. Love to you and Deborah, Heather Folsom
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Rev. Belinda M. Curry Associate, Policy Development and Interpretation Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) General Assembly Council (GAC) Presbyterian Church 100 Witherspoon Street, Room 3611 Louisville, KY 40202-1396
Dear Michael, Best wishes from Jerusalem for hachlima meheira, refuah shelimah, strength, renewal of body, renewal of soul---Bill Berk, Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem
Just reading the subject line, "I have cancer," was like being punched hard in the stomach. YES YOU WILL COME THROUGH THIS FINE. AND YES, WE WILL ALL HELP YOU!!!!! For now, take care in all the spiritual and medical ways you have planned. Bill Puka
My Dear Rabbi: Michael please know that prayers have been said this day while I am here in Ft. Collins for a few months. I have a prayer group that has taken you on. You ministry is very important to too many of us...so we pray, light candles, sit in silence..send out energy to you for complete recovery. I stand with you and your family now and in the days to come. Bob G. Jones, Bishop of Wyoming (Episcopal)
I INCLUDE PRAYERS FOR RABBI LERNER DAILY.IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO HERE IN CHICAGO PLEASE LET ME KNOW.I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF TOWN BUT WILL RETURN ON MARCH 15.KOL TUV, HERBERT BRONSTEIN
Warm Greetings, Rabbi Lerner. I just want you to know that we here in our household in Seattle are holding you dear in our hearts and prayer. Swift and total healing for you and for our world. Sincerely, Claudia Thies and Laura Keim
Some of us in my community are trying to get a community garden started to feed the homeless. We would be donating the produce grown either directly to the homeless or to the soup kitchens that feed them. We have had our own set of problems in getting this done since we really don't have a budget and we don't know all the up front costs of this. There are also differences in approach. The path to a new generosity of spirit is not easy, but we all feel we cannot give up on such a good idea. I will be praying for your health and for efforts across the country to increase the spirit of cooperation among ourselves. I have come to the conclusion that whatever our government may or may not do, it is up to us to save this democracy and its people. God bless you. Cynthia Merkey
I'm gonna focus on the New Bottom Line stuff in New York. All best to you. I'm thinking about you. Dan
Dear Michael I am very shocked to hear the news/// The letter touched me very much. I wish you first of all recovery and great success in the surgery…Health –this is the goal at this point. Cordially Danny Bar-Tal
Michael, We have disagreed over the years, but you have always been a true friend I pray for a speedy recovery & full healing as we have had too many losses of good people and I need someone to make me think & challenge me politically. SO - My prayers are for skill for your surgeons and a speedy recovery for you with strength & love Rabbi David Roller
Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. David Brous Executive Director Federation of Jewish Aged and Community Services Organisations, Melbourne Australia
Dear Michael, We want to express our appreciation for who you are and all you do. We celebrate your great work. We know that it is having an impact in the world. We are saddened to hear of your cancer diagnosis. We are impressed with the way in which you are handling this situation by reaching out so clearly to the greater Tikkun community and NSP network and asking for us to step up to keep this work alive. You are not alone. Our love and heartfelt blessings to you, David and Diane Banner
Dear Rabbi Lerner, My prayers and the meditations of my heart are with you today. You will heal beautifully as this is your way and your journey. We all get our different lunps and bumps along the way and this is a tough bump to bump up against. Love will pull you through. Your deep love of your family, your community, your great service to your Jewish community and your love of country will surround you and bring you great healing and peace. Now rest and let your body recover. Surrounding you with love and light and healing, Diane Hira Rose
Dear Rabbi Lerner, You are definitely in my prayers. I am a practicing Catholic, married to a practicing Jew, and a long-time admirer of you, Tikkun, and your other work. After signing a petition on Israel and Gaza you sent out, I ended up on your Network of Spiritual Progressives and am very glad to have done so. Thank you for all you do. Wishing you the very best, doug doug porpora, head Department of Culture and Communication Drexel University
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I have not been able to get a message through previously, so it is good to be presented with other contact possibilities. I wanted to say simply that you are much appreciated and prayed for by a large group of Presbyterians in Westfield, NJ. The influence of your beautiful spirit has touched so many people. Healing and shalom to you! Rev. Helen Begli
sending blessings, love and healing. ~elana
Oh, Michael, I am so sorry to hear this, but glad and not surprised to see you responding with energy, information, and self-care, as well as reaching out to others. You will be in our prayers for healing. Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin referred to chemo in a prayer as the "dew of life." Maybe it is a nice image to take with you. With hope and prayers for refua shleima Ellen
Dear Rabbi Lerner, Prayer Written for Rabbi Michael Lerner May G-d keep you in High Spirit and give you strength and life May He shield you as an Eagle guide you in His Light May He hold you as a Blessing to continue in the world For every man is His candle so let this Blessing be unfurled... Eric Sander Kingston & Family Schayel ps When you feel better, see this book, Robert O. Young "The PH Miracle". The body must be alkaline, not acidic. Example white sugar doesn't rot your teeth. The sugar metabolizing into ACID burns holes in teeth. Also, see ESSIAC TEA. PRAYERS & BLESSING, ERIC SANDER KINGSTON & FAMILY SCHAYEL
Rabbi Lerner - I am sooo sorry to hear about the cancer. I shared your news with Roy and he sends his support. My prayers are with you. Best, Eric Eric LeCompte SOA Watch
Please let Rabbi Lerner that even here in Beijing we are praying for his careful recovery. It will be a won- derful day when he is pain free and able to resume even a portion of his fine work! Blessings! Eugene Geinzer, sj
Dear Rabbi Michael, I have just opened today's e-mail, and was stunned and deeply saddened to read the news of your diagnosis, which is shocking. I know that in the past, you and I have had our differences (especially at the time of the death of Pope John Paul), but I write today to assure you that you will be in my prayers each day, as you progress with your diagnosis and treatment. You are a great man, a visionary leader, and a voice that our society needs to hear--and listen to--loudly and clearly. Although we have never met in person, I continue to hold you and Tikkun in great respect, and wish for you refuah shelemah--a full and complete return to good health. May G-d bless, strengthen and support you in the weeks and months ahead, and may your work continue to go from strength to strength. Wishing you all good things, and many years of good health in the future to continue your vital work. With respectful good wishes and prayers from Ireland, Murray
Dear Rabbi Lerner, Jerry and I had the pleasure of your company driving from and to the Denver airport from Boulder as well as participating in an Interfaith meeting at First United Methodist Church where you spoke before heading off to Boulder Book Store. We pray for our Heavenly Father's healing energy and light of love to enfold you and strengthen your recovery. We pray for your highest good according to His Will. Peace and love, Joan and Jerry Evans
Dear Rabbi Lerner My wife, Maxine and I are thinking about you and wishing for your speedy recovery. Come to Byron Bay and stay with us awhile: you may find surfing to your taste! Anyway, get better soon to continue the great work of helping humankind be more loving, respectful, just and spiritual. All our love, Gareth Smith & Maxine Caron 14 Cumbebin Park Byron Bay NSW 2481
Dear Rabbi Prayers of healing and swift and comfortable recovery. Please know that you are being thought of by many well wishers here - in a Buddhist sangha and Kerem Shalom synagogue in Concord, Ma. May your mission and wishes come true, oh gentle one. May all your hard work be rewarded and recognized and carried forth. You are a special human being, no doubt, oh compassionate one. May the Universe bless you. Geeta
I'm terribly sorry to hear this, Michael. My thoughts are with you. George Lakoff
Dear Michael, Dear Rabbi Sending you love and all good thoughts for healing. The power of the positive is mighty. And you are one of the most positive of all. Focus your good energy on your healing and know that you have many friends who are putting out their energies for your success. Count me among those with love irene ps. I believe that our Ex Dir Rev Bob Moore has written to you as well ----- Irene Etkin Goldman, Chair Coalition for Peace Action Princeton, New Jersey USA www.peacecoalition.org
Rachamim gdolim, Michael. Sending healing cyber-vibes right now. I suspect your determination, strength, and good will will carry you through this. May the forces of the universe bless your struggle and increase your health. Gordie Fellman
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I was greatly saddened to read about your lung cancer. You are in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and an expeditious full recovery. Best regards, Hamid Mavani, Ph.D. Assistant Professor School of Religion Claremont Graduate University 831 N. Dartmouth Avenue, Room 24 Claremont, CA 91711
Dear Michael: As they say: "brevity is the soul of lingerie." Hence, this short Buddhist's wish for a speedy and complete recovery. Compassion and Wisdom. Harry L. Stille Houston, Texas
My Dear Friend Michael : I am so sorry to hear this news . I will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending you energy and love and my meditiation on your complete recovery. With a warm embrace, Hazel HAZEL HENDERSON, D.Sc.Hon., FRSA, author, futurist, president - Ethical Markets Media, LLC Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy has won a 2007 Nautilus Award for Conscious Business/Leadership and a 2008 Axiom Award for best business book.
Dear Michael Indeed this is very upsetting news, and it’s good to hear that you are taking such positive steps in dealing with it. Let me assure you that we at the Global Marshall Plan Foundation are doing the best we can to support a Global Marshall Plan and as always feel a strong sense of solidarity with your approach to the cause. On our side we are doing are already involved in many of the detailed suggestions that you have sent us. I see strong partnership potential particularly though work on building a Coalition for the Global Commons. It encourages and promotes all the basic fundamentals of the NSP and the network ever expanding. I am certain that with our combined efforts for our shared principles much good will be the result. It also goes without saying that our hearts are with you through this very trying time and we wish you a speedy recovery to good health. Positive energy and our very best wishes, yours fondly, Frithjof and Helge -------------------------------------------------------- Frithjof Finkbeiner Global Marshall Plan Foundation Ferdinandstrasse 28-30 20095 Hamburg
Dear Michael: I wish you a speedy recovery. Praying is not what I do but i still think you are going to do great. Good luck!!! Isidoro
My dear Michael: I learnt with great deal of pain about your medical condition and I am profoundly moved by your honesty and detailed vision that you so well explained. I do not know what to say - you have expressed it so eloquently. I have always admired your ideas and philosophical approach which is always backed with love and compassion. As you know I am deeply involved in bringing reforms in my Muslim community. This is all due to the motivation that I have received from you. Presently, I am healthy - but financially I am burdened. My son is getting divorce from his wife and he has moved in with us. This we Indians like - a part of limb - I could never let go. My daughter is having great financial trouble, foreclosure of their home. Lost job............and so the story of millions of Americans all across this land of milk and honey. This is due to lack of ethics in corporate America that has taken on its harvest. Greed has been one of the cornerstone of our flamboyant facade. God bless all the people of the world and all the countries of the world. Amen. Iftekhar Hai UMA Interfaith Alliance
Prayers are coming your way, Michael. Blessings to you always. In hope and peace, Gail Heyn Volunteer Re-Elect Congressman Kucinich Committee http://www.kucinich.us/
Dear Rabbi, Just yesterday I used you as an example when coaching a client who works for the Navy. He was overly critical of his leadership. The example I gave was when I was critical of you for writing in long sentences. Then you invited me to write an article. And a year later I still haven't written it. So who should I have been critical of? The prolific long-sentence writer using his prophetic voice? Or myself who has taken a year without writing the article? Your leadership has been flawed, as is all leadership, but it has been important and prophetic. Even as we converse, the voice you have raised for the left to bring God or spirit back into its world view has entered the national consciousness and will continue to be heard. We all say a Mishaberach for you. Ira Chaleff
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I have been an admirer and reader for many years, and send you my heartfelt wishes for a refuah sheleimah. I am in Israel now with the CCAR and will remember you this Shabbat during the Mi Shebeirach. I'm sure that everyone will join me in that prayer. All the very best, and may your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Shabbat Shalom Mirushalayim Ir Hakodesh. Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman Brooklyn, NY
Dear Mike, Very sorry to hear the news about your cancer--though happy to hear it may respond to treatment. You're still a young man, and you've accomplished so much. I remember when you sat in our dining room and outlined all your plans for a new magazine. And you went out the door and did everything you said you were going to do, and more. Keep sluggin'! Jack Foley
Michael, I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Tom and I are praying for you. We are holding an event this Friday, showing Martin Doblemeier's "The power of forgiveness," with the "Church and Society" arm of the First United Methodist Church here in Boca, and we hope to recruit some NSPers by introducing new folks to the principals of NSP, and handing out literature. PeterOpa has contacted our group, and we plan to have him speak at our meeting in April. He says he has had a good bit of contact with you, and I hope he can share ideas with us about NSP, and help us with fresh approaches. We'll keep thinking of ways to lighten your load. Peace and love and healing, Jana Tift
You are in my prayers for healing, for comfort, for deeper understanding of life's journey. God is with you. Shalom, Janet Archer Kansas City, Missouri
Dear Rabbi, Please rest assured that your health is in my wishes and prayers (and in those of many of the left in the Salt Lake area). It seems unfair to me: I have been a smoker for forty years, and while I am suffering some consequences of that habit, I have dodged the cancer-bullet (so far). You remain an inspiration to those of all faiths who would "heal the world". Don't let your spirits fall. Many, many blessings, and a long life. Welcome the good even if it may not be readily apparent. Sincerely, Jay Hansen, Salt Lake City
Dear Michael, my prophet and visionary friend, Just want you to know that you have been in my prayers ever since I received the very first message about your cancer. I'm glad that the operation was successful and pray that the news keeps getting better about your recovery. You are strong...and God wants you to remain on the planet to be the leader of so many who agree with your viewpoints and agenda. (me included) So I know you will come back with even more strength and enthusiasm. Remember you are loved by me and thousands of others, and we are all sending that love your way. You have lighted up my life and the lives of so many, and given us hope. May god grant you the grace and energy to continue to shine that holy light on the people on the planet for many years to come. (no need to reply) Much love, Your friend and admirer, Jean "Our heart is first of all destined to love." "Love is the mother of spirit." --Max Scheler, Jean Ramacciotti, Palo Alto
Dear Mike, My thoughts and "prayers" are with you. I certainly appreciate that you have done such important work. An important task ahead is to assure that your work will continue, even without you, if need be. After all, someday, none of us will be here any longer, but the goals we strive for need advocates. By grooming your successors, you will also be reducing the daily stress you have by doing so much yourself. With loving wishes, Jeff
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I'm so sorry to learn of your illness. I will be prayng for you - for a speedy recovery and strength! Just to let you know - as you wrote about song and poetry - I am a pianist, born in Baltimore but living in France for the last 32 years (!)… I will be performing in Amman, Jordan, as well as Ramallah and Naplouse next week. It's my "way" of trying to help peace move along… I'm nervous and excited, and of course incredibly curious as to how people will receive these concerts, but also as to how everyday life goes on it's way there… I'll be performing with 2 young singers (students of mine at the Paris Conservatory) - a young woman from Amman, but of Palestinian origine, and a young man from Peru. You will definitely be a part of our thoughts and songs there! Refooah shlemah! all the best to you, Jeff Cohen
Dear Michael, Shalom. I want you to know that I hold you in my prayers, my thoughts, and my heart. Ever since I went to a Tikkun conference in D.C., maybe 10 years ago, I have been moved by your message, your commitment, and your spirit. You are brilliant, passionate, and I am happy to have you as my leader. May your body heal quickly and easily. Currently, I an volunteering in Cambodia, for a wonderful NGO that is giving 56 former orphans nurturing homes and an excellent education. I came here through the American Jewish World Service and recently met Rabbi Joel Soffin who started Jewish Helping Hands. It's heartening to know that so many Jews preactice tikkun olam. Thanks again for your inspiration and service. Warmly, Jim Berger (from Rochester, NY area)
Michael: We are remembering you in our prayers. During my recent book tour I have had 92 interviews across the nation, with a message that I believe is comparable to yours. Best wishes, Jimmy (Carter)
Dear Michael, Just a note to send along all my prayers, blessings, love and support, as you head toward surgery. You're in my daily prayers, for a good operation, quick recovery, and full return to good health! sending every good wish, John Dear
I just opened my email - it's too late to come to your house this evening. I'm imagining your living room full of people who love you and I know all present will experience healing. I so appreciate your need for community. Sending love to you and Debora, Judy Rose
Dear Rabbi, I have never met you, but I am so sorry to hear this news. Somehow, your email moved me, even though it is a mass-mailing. I feel suddenly that I must do something. I am a long-time professor here at Cal, and I am lost. Spiritually, emotionally, and profoundly lost, and I must find my way. I will volunteer for something. Maybe the path to happiness is to give and not look to receive anything in return. I am praying for you. Sincerely, Kameshwar
Dear Michael Lerner. Thanks for sharing about your illness. I live in Norway and know about your work from my friend, Cliff McReynolds in La Jolla, CA, who runs a study group based on your book. God Bless You, Michael Lerner. I will be praying for you. Sincerely, Kari G. Elliott
Dearest Rabbi Michael, I am praying for you and ask G-d to heal you and restore you to good health and give you freedom from pain. Thank you for sharing your gifts of true knowledge and wisdom with your students, friends and others - like me - who have only heard you speak and read your books and articles. You're a light of goodness for humanity and a great teacher of our time. With love to you and yours, Hajjia Katharina Harlow (NSP member)
We met at Fort Benning; and I tried to reach Rabbi Phillip Leibowitz for you at that time. My wife and I are just now returning from Asia where as a Vietnam era veteran, I needed to go even though for a brief time. Also, we visited Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish temples and Mosques in Singapore, Bangkok, Cambodia, China and Tokyo. Your effort is such an inspiration. As an active member of Veterans for Peace and strong supporter of Iraqi Veterans AgainsWar, I will help to spread the message ot the Network of Spiritual Progressives. Modern medicine can do wonders and as an eclectic secular former Catholic humanist I will pray for you when I revisit the Trappist monastery that I almost joined so long ago as a youth in upstate New York near Rochester. Peace, love, God's spead and please heal. Ken Howland---Temple Adath Or---Fort Lauderdale-Unitarian Universalist
Dear Rabbi Lerner: I was distressed to hear, as I know were many many others, of your having cancer, and subsequent cardio problems. I have every hope and expectation that you will come through this sucessfully, en sha' Allah as the Arabs say; and " do not go gentle"! We need you and your work is not done. Your are certainly in my prayers. Warmest Regards, Christopher Bottkol
Rabbi Lerner, I am very sorry to hear that you have cancer and am sending you warm, positive and healing energies. That we sometimes agree and sometimes disagree is irrelevant. I find you to be a thoughtful, deeply caring, and wise man, and respect your efforts in the world. I think you are going to beat this cancer stuff, and I will be adding my prayers to those from, no doubt, many others. Thanks for being open and sharing this news. Wishing you strength as you confront this challenge. With peace, Larry
Hi Rabbi Lerner, I just learned about Tikkun couple of weeks ago and subscribed at that time to your magazine. Rest assured that the word is getting out - using myself as a prime example.... Take care, larry.
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I've never been active (yet) in NSP but from the sidelines I cheer you on every day. I discuss your work with friends and keep myself up to date on NSP current events. My own work lies in officiating interfaith marriages (I was ordained by Rabbi Gelberman) and supporting young people in developing an interfaith identity. Your work provides the open minded spiritual Jewish perspective piece of the puzzle; without which the puzzle would be incomplete. Just knowing that you are out there, doing what you do and being who you are, makes this world so much brighter. So I want you to know that I am cheering not for your work now, but for YOU and rooting for the renewal of your whole health. Having watched your devotion to the principles of NSP, it is no surprise that not only in health, but in illness too, you continue to inspire. In this way, you are more whole than the holiest. Sending blessings and bows your way. Allfornow, Lauren
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I was shocked to get your email. You are of the few great leaders in our country, standing up for peace, justice and love! I am so sorry that cancer cells were found in you physical body. I am praying very hard that those cells will be eliminated by your white blood cells! I have been lax in renewing. I will not delay, I will renew. I have been writing letters to the media. I have felt hypocritical that I couldn't really represent a "spiritual progressive" because I don't attend church anymore. God, to me is the energy of life on earth, so I go outside, and feel God. I feel God in each and every person as well, (or I try to anyway). I will try and recruit people now. Rabbi, I was shocked when you emailed me that you would help me by trying to contact Benny Hin, an evangelical that is professing hatred toward the Muslims in and around the Holy Land. You took time out of your very busy schedule to answer my email. I was deeply touched (still am). I will help you way more than I ever had. My prayers are with you and your white blood cells! Sincerely and with much love, Laurie DesJardins Ferhani
Rabbi Lerner - I was sad and moved to receive your email; as always you write eruditely and beautifully, and here also very courageously. Please accept my thoughts and good wishes from here in London, England; you will be in my prayers for your surgery tomorrow and hopefully your full recovery afterwards. If you would send me your Hebrew name (and your mother's) I will be able to include you in the shul misheberach, as well as in my private prayers. May God bless you with a refuah shelemah u'mehira Rabbi Lee Wax
Dear Rabbi Lerner: I received this email with much shock, sadness, gratitude, love and hope. Though I have only met you once when you were in Toronto at the Muslim Conference two years ago (I confess I didn't express myself well as I was so nervous to be in your presence), you are genuinely a compassionate, loving, wise, humble man. You are a teacher to many, including myself. Each time I read your correspondence I see more possibilities for a better, more just world. My Quaker Friend, who I share all your correspondence with, thinks most highly of you and the seeds that you have, are and God willing will continue to plant. I was in Tegucigelpa, Honduras when I heard that my late dear friend, Ruth Morris, who founded Rittenhouse: A New Vision, which advocates for the abolishment of our prisons and a complete transformation of our criminal justice system, hence the term "Transformative Justice" she coined had cancer (she called her cancer "Henry"). I was experiencing similar emotions then as I am now to your news of being diagnosed with cancer. As the sun was setting I walked down a small winding road. I eventually stopped under a tree and sat down. I closed my eyes and listened to the refreshing breeze in that August evening of 2000. When I opened my eyes I was shedding tears as my eyes focused on a nearby mountaintop lined with small trees blowing ever majestically in the wind. In that moment I experienced a great release. In those trees standing atop that mountain for me represented all those souls Ruth touched and inspired in her sixty-seven years. Sadly Ruth died in 2001, ten days following 9-11. At a gathering to celebrate her life one person after the next rose to express their gratitude to Ruth and the countless gifts she shared so abundantly with a commitment to continue this work, which belonged to everyone. Like Ruth you motivate so many to give to see goodness and possibility where on the surface there is only dread and hopelessness. Today I woke up feeling sorry because I am currently without a job. In reading your email today I now have hope and joy and peace, as well as sadness and concern as well. I will take note of your suggestions and be in discussion with my Quaker F/friends. My father, a WWII Holocaust survivor, just yesterday said to me in no uncertain terms: "Leonard, you're not going to change the world!". I listened to his words very closely. This is not the first time my father has spoken these words. Acting on my own my father is absolutely correct: there is no way I can be a positive force for good in this world. But in joining with people, such as yourself, and members of NSP and fellow like minded and hearted souls positive change is possible. It will not be easy, but it is possible. "Yes we can!". May God watch over you and your loved ones as you embark on this journey. I walk with you. With God's Love and Light, Leonard Molczadski
Dear RABBI LERNER: Thank you for your brave announcement. Many close dear friends have received this news also. These are times of necessary bravery, and few know what this means to the Soul in real sharing. Your life has been in service of others for the greater good so it must give you some satisfactory solace your good life has not been in vain. The epiphanies of Maimonides, Chardin, and Schweitzer should give you and your loved ones solace in that one of the most important revelations is "Reverence for Life" and its celebration for the little precious time allotted. A little Haiku; Life !........That was fast ! Hope is also at hand ! The worlds love on you and yours. Leslie Dean Price, Architect AIA AUA Emeritus Chairman EI, LLC & ARES, LLC
Hi Michael: Sending thoughts of love and healing. I'm in Kentucky where I grew up, writing a book. I'm thinking about you. Ever, Leslie Guttman
Dear Rabbi Lerner, I join with all of your many friends and followers in sending heartfelt prayers and healing. With sincerest thoughts, Margaret Jayne Jones New Vision United Methodist Church Social Action Committee, and URI SF P CC.
Dear Rabbi Lerner, It was sad to get news of your cancer but it sounds like you can beat it. You have that powerfully positive "can do" spirit and I have absolute faith that YOUR faith will do the necessary healing you need to achieve optimal health. I will gladly pray for your recovery because you do great work in this world and this world desperately needs people like you. You're a great inspiration for sooooo many people, so, you see, you HAVE to live a very long life to keep doing that, alright? I heard you speak in Philadelphia and I hope to be able to attend a future presentation, so get rid of this cancer and be well, okay? You are the most influential Rabbi in my life; my prayers are with you. Sincerely, Marcia Bertoni
The merciful winds Tis not the winds of life ... But death that scowls , That howls at your unpolluted lungs. Yesterday , polluted winds ravaged your lung ,emptying it of air . Don't despair, your untouched lung still breathes... unclean air. Tis not yet time for the final winds to howl and scowl Tis time to reflect ,to prepare for our beloved Wind-Maker. Amen. By Mark Alcock.
Dear Rabbi Michael, I will pray for you.. it is what I do well. May your journey be one which brings your soul and your spirit great comfort and rest. May your life be blessed. pace e bene (peace and all goodness) Mark Anielski Author and Economist The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth www.genuinewealth.net
Dear Rabbi Lerner, You are in my prayers. God bless you for the prophetic vision you continue to share. I hope you can take time each day to RECEIVE the love and blessings we are all asking God to pour out on you. It will help your immune system to not get too tired. With love and thanks, martina Nicholson
Dear Rabbi, I am truly sorry about this. I have already prayed for you, in my own way...that G-d be with you, that you're surgery is successful and that you have a speedy recovery. I continue to promote the Geneva Accord to anyone who will listen. My brother appointed me his "proxy" and told me I can write all the letters I want using his name and I took advantage of that. The University of Denver has a department known as the Institute for the Study of Israel and the Middle East (ISIME). The chair is an Israeli-American, Shaul Gabbay. I've been attending their lectures that are open to the public for years and I continually email Shaul with suggestions to promote peace and get the audience more involved with doing so as well. In a weird way, Shaul has come to enjoy my emails and we've had some fun in the exchanges. Before losing my job I used to financially support several organizations such as Americans for Peace Now, Israel Policy Forum, and Tikkun. Ok, I hope that good news will follow. All my best, Marty Schur
Tikkun is what I wish for you. Healing and repair. Blessings, Mary Ellen Norpel
I will pray for you, sing to your gifts, and meditate on all you have written. Thank you for putting energy into such important ideas, especially when it would be appropriate for you to concentrate on your world and needs.
Marybeth Hoesterey President, The Learning Advocates
May Hashem Yisborack grant you a Refuah and be with you and yours. Rabbi Sparer
You truly are a rabbi’s rabbi. You teach in everything you do – even in this newest challenge and journey. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. -- Rabbi Michael L. Moskowitz Temple Shir Shalom 3999 Walnut Lake Road West Bloomfield, Michigan 48323
Michael-- I was shocked to receive the message on your cancer, and I thank you for touching me by letting me know about it. You and I never got along as well as we should have, but I have never ceased admiring your tireless efforts in behalf of the causes we share, nor of holding you in the highest possible esteem. I promise to do some of the things you propose in your letter in behalf of those causes. Meanwhile, I will continue to wish you-- I might even say pray for-- a speedy recovery. The vision of Jewish decency, which has so seriously faded in recent times, cannot spare you. As ever-- Milton
Dear Michael-- Many thanks for writing to me. In particular, you share with me of a wonderful project. Your commitment to your work is at most admirable. Truly, I am sorry for that piece of news. I do assure you that I will pray for your good health after the surgery. As a Catholic priest, I will say daily MASS for you. However, I would like you to slow down a bit. God loves you and calls you to be an instrument of PEACE, but God also wants you to take good care of yourself as well. I believe that we have to give equal importance between WORK & REST. Regarding your request, I am honored to be asked, but you may know that I am a missionary in the Philippines right now. I have left LMU for this assignment since 2005. With this kind of work, I am afraid that I would be unable to get involved in your project fully. However, if there is anything I would be inquires from my mission land to support your work, I am happy to help out as far as I could. Thanks. Once again, I know that GOD is ever with you and will guide your way. My prayers for your needs are promised, my dear friend. God bless! Wajira Nampet
Michael, I believe in the worth and the power of prayer. We will pray for you and send you Reiki healing energy. Remember, this work is not yours alone. It is God's work, and S/He will raise up people to do it. Get rest. Peace, JustPeaceTheory.com Valerie R'fuah Shleimah! Abby Caplin Dear Reb Michael,
I'm so sorry you are having to deal with so much! May all of your doctors, nurses and other healthcare support people be guided in exactly the right way to let you recover easily and completely!
difficult waiting Anne Haehl I'm sure the waiting is hard--and the double whammy. With you in prayer.
Be Well Naomi Faszczyk — Dear Rabbi,
You know how people usually use the expression "titchadesh" in modern Hebrew, when someone makes a new purchase or acquires something new? I can never find a satisfying substitute for it in any other language that I've learned to speak, including English. It means something like, congratulations, but more like "may you be renewed" with your "new thing."
I don't know why that is the word that popped into my head...Tehiyeah chadash, as new. My heart and thoughts are with you and your loved ones. Much healing.
Refuah Shlamah
Renee Hoffinger — Dear Michael,
Blessings for a complete healing and a speedy recovery!
If you need some advice and support in the food department, I know a terrific dietitian.....
Let go, let god.
xoxoxox Renee
You! Susan Barnett — Michael; My thoughts and heart are with you and Debora during this difficult time. Please know we will support both of you any way we can.
Love,
Susan
Paraphrasing Hillel Paula — Look after yourself first.
Thinking of you Julie — I'm thinking of you, and sending you positive thoughts and loving kindness.
Please take care of yourself and let others take on your burdens, so that you can model how to do it for the rest of us. (Turns out that maybe THAT was what the world needed to learn from you after all.)
An NSP member in San Diego.
Prophet Undergoing Repair Harriet Zeiner — Dear Reb Michael;
Many thoughts of blessings for you as you undergo repair. Not that I have ever seen you do it before, but now is the time to relax, go slow, let stuff slide and allow the energy you usually spend on repairing the world to go to your immune system to heal you.
If all of the above seems too complicated, here is a simplier request- Just listen to everything Debora says for the next 30 days, and follow her requests.
Love,
Harriet Refuah Sheleima Rachel Eryn Kalish — Dear Rabbi Michael~
I know that years working on the I-P conflict can make us all mishugana and sick of heart. May the vision you speak of for complete healing among Israelis and Palestinians be yours as well.
Deep Blessings for Shalom, Salaam, Pax, Peace,
Rachel Eryn
Cancer cure Conrad Golich — Apricot pits, AKA Laetrille, cure cancer with trace elements of cyanide. In Mexico they have a 70% cure rate using it. I have proven it twice with personal friends, by giving them my home grown apricot pits. I can get more here in Tempe, AZ at a health food store if you want some. RSVP, Karass22@webtv.net
rabbi lerner's healing needs elisabeth grace — like quakers worldwide, i am holding you in the Light
get well wishes Andra Hirsch — Dear Rabbi Lerner,
My children and I were very saddened to hear of your illness. We attended Torah study at your house and spent an amazing day there. You are a shining light and the universe needs your vision, leadership, and compassion. We are praying for your swift recovery.
The Hirsch family from Sacramento Wishes for your recover Mary Wilson — Dear Rabbi Lerner,
I've read all the preceding comments, and I hope the love they express will bear you up on its wings. I add my own.
Rabbi Arnold Rachlis — Dear Michael,
I wish you a refua shelema. We need you and your voice to challenge and motivate us, so de-stress, relax and recuperate.
B'shalom,
Arnie Rachlis
Rabbi Arnold Rachlis
University Synagogue
3400 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 553-3535
www.universitysynagogue.org
Thoughts and Prayers Medhat and Eleonora — Dearest Rabbi Lerner
We look at your picture with this warm and motivating look which is always uplifting us and giving us hope for a better world; something which is rare these days here in the Middle East. It is so hard to belief these shocking news. We will pray for your speedy and complete recovery and for your peace of mind. We - the world - need people like you, dear Rabbi, and we trust that Allah in his mercy will choose the right path.
Salam and Shalom
Medhat and Eleonora
Sending Love Lisa Garrigues — Dear Michael,
I am sorry to hear about your illness, and wish you a speedy recovery. You are a wonderful, generous, and brilliant spirit, and you are loved by many people.
Most importantly, I think your doctor summed it up: it is time for Michael to take care of Michael, and let other people take care of the world for awhile. I send you lots of love, prayers, and healing energy to speed you on your path to recovery. You remain always in my heart.
Lisa
Thoughts and Prayers Jim Rice — Michael,
You're in our thoughts and prayers for peace and tranquility in your heart, body, and soul as you go through the rigors of the next few months. We're thinking of you, brother.
Jim Rice
Sojourners
Thoughts and Prayers Jim Rice —
Recovery Armand Neukermans — Best wishes for a speedy recovery . I admire all the work you do
Praying for Michael Lerner Eva van Sonderen — Dear Rabbi Lerner,
Please take lots of time to tune in to your higher self and to G'd, and lots of time to recover. In order to transform the world, you need to be loving to yourself as well. May your physical heart and your heart chakra be bathed in love and warmth. I'll be saying a misheberach for you in Kol Haneshama synagogue, Jerusalem.
Prayers for a complete recovery Simcha Daniel Burstyn — Dear Michael,
May it be God's will to grant you a speedy and complete recovery.
אנא אל נא רפא נא לו
Simcha Daniel
well wishes Elly Simmons — Dear Michael,
I am sorry to hear of your health challenges and wish you only the very best in care and I know you will be surrounded with an outpouring of care and help as you go through this challenge. I myself am in chronic pain from a back injury from a car accident in December, where someone totaled my wehicle, and cannot work, also recovering from a root canal as a result of the accident, so I understand the challenges. Be strong and when you don't feel strong let others care for you as you have cared for others over the years,
Best! Elly Simmons in Lagunitas, CA.
PS If you know of anyone who would love strong powerful and passionate art to help them through these challenging days, I am making deals left and right!!!
Thanks for your support of my work in the past and may the force be with you!
www.ellysimmons.com.
P.S. Don't push yourself, let things go into the hands of others and really allow yourself time to take care of yourself. For folks such as us activists, that is oftent the hardest challenge of all!
Valentines Day Sybil Charlton — I can't believe this is happening as I was actually thinking of making the trip to Rabbi Lerner's house for Valentines Day for Torah study, as I haven't been there yet. Going to Washington DC a couple of years ago for the NSP conference was important to me. I have heard that Valentines Day doesn't always have to be about romance, but just about celebrating whatever it is that you care about. I have sometimes not been proud of having an American identity. However, going on that trip helped me get in touch with what it is I do celebrate about being American. I am sorry to hear the study session has been canceled, but I certainly hope Rabbi Lerner's surgery goes well.
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wellness betsy — 1 I am:
Thinking of you. Respecting your work in the world.
Praying for your health and healing.
I'm really bad at jokes, so I'll spare you that.
Betsy
Rabbi Lerner's recovery